Key facts
- Martin Scorsese discussed casting Jodie Foster for Taxi Driver.
- Foster was 12 years old when cast.
- Her 'authority' was a key factor in her casting.
- Taxi Driver was released in 1976.
Filmmaker Martin Scorsese has shared insights into how actress Jodie Foster secured her memorable role in the 1976 film "Taxi Driver." Scorsese stated that Foster, who was only 12 years old at the time of her casting, possessed a remarkable "authority" that impressed him. This quality was a significant factor in her selection for the part, which became a pivotal moment in her career. The film, directed by Scorsese, starred Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle and Foster as Iris Steensma, a child prostitute.